Prescription scare

on a contribution based esa, recently applied for an income based ESA.
I am staying in an independent flat where I was moved into by a charity.
For many years now I had been claiming free prescription.
I had received a notice few days ago that they have an issue with my prescription. And they want to fine me if I dont explain to them why Im claiming free prescriptions.
All I know is that I had been doing it for many years. Since my support worker at the time told me I was allowed to.
I dont remember exactly if we had to fill in any additional forms for prescription (maybe) since this was many years ago.
I dont know what to tell them.
I am not sure if this notice is not related to me sending ESA 3 form as this is so close in time.
I am terrified, not sure what to tell them.
Any advice?

Hi Agis,
Gary is correct about diabetes (I`m type 2) but also if you are over 60 your prescriptions are free (for now).
Andy

Another condition which should get you free prescriptions regardless is epilepsy.

Hello,

There are several other health conditions which entitle you to free prescriptions, but I don't know what they all are - your pharmacist can probably advise you because they will know from the medication you are on whether you would be entitled or not. This was how I found out I could get an exemption card - my doctor did not tell me, but you do have to ask your GP to complete a form so that you can apply. Maybe this was done on your behalf many years ago by your support worker, but not properly explained to you at the time?

Sometimes the pharmacy just assumes you have a card because of the medication you are on, so doesn't charge you, but without a record of the card number, there is the likelihood that a penalty notice would be issued, since it is all dealt with electronically.

The NHS Business Services Authority is the organisation which deals with this, but they can be very strict - if you claim free dental treatment, even a house move or a temporary address will trigger a letter from them if all the details do not correlate to the information they hold, so I assume it might be the same for prescriptions. You need to get in touch with them to find out before they issue a fine.

I hope you get on all right.

Wendy Woo

Hypothyroidism ( underactive thyroid) is another condition that gives you free prescriptions.